It’s Getting To Know You Tuesday and our guest today is Richard Murphy from across the pond!
1. Where are you now?
Downham Market, Norfolk, England (that’s the old one, not the New one). I live and work here. It’s fantastic.
2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?
I’m director of Tax Research LLP, and a chartered accountant. It means I’m near a full time activist / lobbyist / academic on tax reform. In the UK it’s been suggested that I am ‘The research muscle behind the Tax Justice Network, the anti-avoidance campaigning group, Murphy is a thorn in the side of senior advisers who try and insist that this avoidance stuff doesn’t really matter and well, it’s a legal issue anyway.’ I can live with that.
I also have a small tax practice.
3. What books are on your night stand?
Right now Richard Parker’s biography of J K Galbraith and The Origin of Wealth, Eric D. Beinhocker. I started as an economist. Galbraith remains a hero (which gives you some idea of where I am politically, I guess).
4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
An economist working on tax. I’m doing my dream job!
5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?
The Jungle Book (with my kids, 6 and 4). I’ve pretty much given up grown up films since they came along – something had to go.
6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?
Offshore – and why we don’t do more to stop it.
7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
Spend less than you earn.
8. Coffee or tea?
Morning, coffee. Afternoon tea. Black either way.
9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
I don’t have one (honest). But try Bach, Ravel, Mozart, Rod Stewart and Simply Red, for starters. They’re on the top of the CD pile.
10. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I build model railroads in my garden.
11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
Southampton University, England. Economics and Accountancy. (I told you I was doing my favourite job).
12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?
All corporations, trusts and similar legal entities would be required to disclose full details of their accounts, management and beneficial ownership on public register, accessible free of charge on line, the world over. That would hit evasion for six better than anything else I can think of.
13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
I don’t know. It’s turned off right now. It’s also rarely on.
14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?
AMT. The Democrats won’t repeal estate tax. Nor should they.
15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
Buy some more trains.
16. Biggest tax newsmaker: KPMG, Jenkens Gilchrist or Richard Hatch?
I do my best to make it KPMG. See my blog – www.taxresearch.org.uk/blog to see what I mean
17. And, other than taxgirl, what’s your favorite tax related web site?
www.taxjustice.net
Thanks, Richard!
